In which stage of the Community Readiness Model is there clear recognition and pre-planning among community leaders?

The correct stage that indicates clear recognition and pre-planning among community leaders is indeed the Preplanning stage. At this point in the Community Readiness Model, community leaders are actively acknowledging the importance of addressing the issue at hand and are engaging in preliminary discussions to strategize and lay the groundwork for future steps. This stage is crucial as it sets the tone for how the community will mobilize resources and define their approach moving forward.

In contrast, stages beyond Preplanning, such as Preparation, Initiation, and Institutional/Stabilization, advance the process further. During the Preparation stage, communities typically begin to develop concrete strategies and action plans based on the recognition achieved in the Preplanning stage. The Initiation stage moves into implementing the strategies, while Institutional/Stabilization reflects a time when the solutions become well-established and integrated into organizational practices. Understanding where each stage fits in the overall model helps clarify how community readiness evolves from initial awareness to sustained action.